Josh Root Email & Phone Number

United States

• Provide strategic growth and representation for Information Governance, best practices, and ROI for taxpayer investment in systems, data and processes.• Advise Executive Leadership on opportunities to streamline processes and engagement related to data sharing and litigation posture.• Manage senior staff representing agency, priorities, obligations, and priorities.

United States

• Provide legal guidance to MnDOT leadership regarding various business matters, litigation, Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Official Records Act, Open Meeting Law, and Records Management Act.• Direct MnDOT litigation practice to ensure compliance with federal and state law as well as internal policies. Typical responsibilities include drafting legal holds, data collection and production, drafting interrogatories, formulation of legal strategy and coordination of litigation activities with Minnesota Attorney General.• Provide testimony to the Minnesota Legislature in consultation with staff from MnDOT Government Affairs and the Governor’s Office.• Hire, develop, manage, and assign MnDOT staff and consultants of varying levels of responsibility and skill. • Manage the agency's IT legal and tort claims budgets. Approve use of funds to ensure the most cost-effective technical solutions are employed to meet agency legal needs.• Represent the agency’s legal needs related to cyber security, including potential data breach scenarios.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Respond, in a accurate, timely, uniform, and legally sufficient manner, to data requests• Maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding MnDOT technology while continuously enhancing knowledge of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, e-discovery software, and predictive coding • Devise strategy for the implement of new technology, conduct statewide outreach, and generate webinar for new employees

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Grew the firm from a single attorney to a significant presence in the eDiscovery space through a smart, client-driven growth model. • Deployed marketing strategies to expand understanding of and develop need for representation.• Managed all facets of client relationships, business finances and human resources (budget, payroll, hiring, employee retention and development). • Analyzed and led contract negotiations for contracts awarded through RFP, managed litigation and consultant budgets.• Built and maintained relationships with wide array of people including clients, vendors, and colleagues.• Researched case law and provided legal advice to clients as well as other attorneys.• Represented clients in District Court and prepared Appellate briefs.• Drafted legal documents including affidavits, answers, memorandums, motions, petitions, pleadings, and proposed orders.• Advised clients on managing policies and rules in both corporate and government processes while also ensuring decisions were defensible under rules of civil procedure and evidence.

J.D.

B.A., History, Politics, Education